ISA na namang taga-industriya ang binawian ng buhay nung nakaraang Martes ng umaga, April 27 dahil sa mapamuksang Covid-19, ang batikang film editor-action director at barangay captain ng North Bay Boulevard South (NBBS) Kaunlaran na si Federico `Toto’ Natividad na pumanaw sa edad na 63.

Tulad ng mga yumaong veteran actor na si Menggie Cobarrubias at ang music icon na si Claire de la Fuente, hindi agad nalapatan ng agarang medical attention si Direk Toto dahil punuan ang mga pagamutan sa Metro Manila. Kaya sa Green City Medical Center ng San Fernando, Pampanga na siya nadala at na-intubate hanggang siya’y bawian ng buhay kinaumagahan ng April 27.

Kung na-admit lang sana agad si Direk Toto sa isang pagamutan ay baka buhay pa siya hanggang ngayon.

Si Direk Toto ang youngest action director in the 90’s having worked with almost all the action stars in the country including Coco Martin in his top-rating ang longest-running action-drama TV series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”. He started directing a movie in 1989 sa pamamagitan ng pelikulang “Durugin ng Bala si Peter Torres”. At magmula noon ay naging sunud-sunod na ang kanyang pagdidirek ng pelikula and became the most sought-after action director hindi lamang sa pelikula kundi sa telebisyon.

Sa TV ang kanyang huling TV directorial job ay ang “Cain at Abel” na pinagbidahan nina Dingdong Dantes at Dennis Trillo sa GMA na nagtapos sa ere nung February 2019. Ang kanyang huling TV assignment sa GMA, ang action-drama na “Rosang Agimat” na launching vehicle ni Gabbi Garcia bilang action star ay tuluyang na-shelve in 2019 dahil sa aksidenteng nangyari sa set ng serye sa veteran actor na si Eddie Garcia na naging sanhi ng kamatayan nito nung June 20, 2019.

Ang iba pang TV series na dinirek ni Direk Toto include”Panday,” “Pieta,” “Regal Shocker,” “Third Eye,” “Pintada,” “Saka-Saka,” “Galema: Anak ni Zuma,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “Riding in Tandem,” “Double Barrel” at iba pa.

Halos 50 pelikula naman ang pinamahalaan niya at kasama na rito ang “Tatlong Baraha,” “Paraiso,” “Animal,” “Walang Iwanan….Peksman,” “Ping Lacson: Super Cop,” “Ex-Con,’ “Col. Elmer Jamias: Barako ng Maynila,” “Palaban,” “Suspek,” “Warfreak,” “Notoryus,” “Pusakal,” “Wangbu,” “Utol,” “Ibabaon Kita Sa Lupa,” “Alyas Pogi 2, “Sanggano” at maraming iba pa.

Bago naging director ay nagsimula siyang maging isang mahusay na film editor at assistant director.

In the 1990 Oscar Awards ceremony kung saan si Tom Cruise ang tinanghal na Best Actor for the movie “Born on the Fourth of July” na dinirek ni Oliver Stone and shot in the Philippines in 1988 ay special mention ng American Hollywood actor ang pangalan ni Direk Toto (“Toto of the Philippines”) who edited the movie. Magmula noon ay lalong bumango ang pangalan ni Direk Toto bilang director making him the most in-demand young action director in the country during the 90’s.

Samantala, ang isa sa mga anak ng namayapang magaling na veteran director na si Josh Isaac Natividad ang nagbigay ng official statement ng kanilang pamilya:

“It is with our deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Direk Federico `Toto’ Natividad this morning (April 17) due to complications brought about by Covid-19.

“His long standing career and legacy as a talented film director paved the way for many others in the industry and will never be forgotten.

“His final days were spent tirelessly giving back as he fulfilled his role as an elected public servant of his barangay.

“He will always be remembered as an extremely loving and affectionate father, kind-heartead brother and a joyful grandpa.

He is survived by his children Ayette, Maybel, Isaac, Dondon, Levi, David, Angela and Dani; and his grandchildren Drake, Sab, Thirdy, Rafi, Dylan, Lucho, Kalista, and one more on the way.

“Funeral arrangements will be announced soon.”

Paalam Direk Toto!

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